The Ministry of Health on Wednesday recorded seven more imported Covid-19 cases, bringing the total number in the Kingdom to 233. Another seven others have also recovered, bringing the number of cured patients to 154.

Of the seven new cases, four, who are between 24 and 30 years old, were among the 80 Cambodian UN Blue Helmet soldiers who arrived in the Kingdom from Mali on July 10. The remaining three were among 59 flight passengers who arrived in Cambodia on July 23.

The ministry said 77 Covid-19 patients are currently being treated in the country. Five have been admitted to the Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital, 57 to the Chak Angre Health Centre and 15 to the Kampong Speu Provincial Referral Hospital.

In July, Cambodia announced 93 imported cases, with most of them arriving by flight from Malaysia and Indonesia.

Prime Minister Hun Sen announced that Cambodia will temporarily halt flights from the two countries effective August 1 to prevent further imported cases and its spread as Cambodia prepares to celebrate its re-scheduled Khmer New Year holidays from August 17-21.

The ministry said to avoid an increase in cases, it is necessary to implement strict preventive measures, such as washing hands frequently, wearing protective masks and practising social distancing.

Everywhere must be kept clean, especially cars, hotels and restaurants, the ministry said, adding that people must reduce travelling and avoid mass gatherings as well.

Ministry spokesperson Or Vandine said recently that Cambodia has a well-defined health system and a team of doctors who can manage the situation.

“It is necessary to take measures to reduce transmissions of the Covid-19 virus into the country. We need to weigh the resources we need to use as well,” she said.

The 80 UN Blue Helmet soldiers, who arrived in Cambodia on July 10 were placed in quarantine in Kampong Speu province. On July 13, after having been in quarantine for 13 days, four of the soldiers tested positive for Covid-19.